India Begin Korea Open 2026 Campaign With Prannoy Leading Singles Charge
India will open its campaign at the Korea Open 2026 on Wednesday with a smaller-than-usual singles squad, placing much of the spotlight on experienced shuttler H. S. Prannoy. The BWF World Tour Super 500 tournament is being held in Yeosu, South Korea, where Indian players will compete across men’s singles, women’s singles and mixed doubles.
Prannoy is the only Indian in the men’s singles main draw. He begins his tournament against South Korea’s Yoo Tae Bin, with the first-round match offering an early test against a home player familiar with the local conditions and crowd. The 2023 World Championships bronze medallist will be aiming to make a strong start and provide India with a foothold in the draw.
India’s line-up has been reshaped by the absence of two of its most prominent singles players. Lakshya Sen withdrew after winning the men’s singles title at the Hylo Open in Germany, while P. V. Sindhu has also chosen not to compete in Yeosu after claiming the women’s singles crown at the same tournament. Their decisions leave opportunities for other Indian players to take on greater responsibility at the Korea Open.
Prannoy Takes on Home Hope Yoo Tae Bin
Prannoy’s opening match is one of the key fixtures for India on Wednesday. His experience at major international events may prove valuable in a tournament where momentum can shift quickly, particularly in the early rounds. Against Yoo, he will need to manage the pace of the rallies, limit unforced errors and adapt to the conditions in the arena.
With Sen absent, Prannoy carries India’s men’s singles challenge alone in the main draw. That places added attention on his performance, though the first-round focus will be straightforward: settle into the match, make effective use of his attacking opportunities and secure a place in the next round. A confident opening would also give him a chance to build rhythm as the competition progresses.
Anmol Kharb and Tanvi Sharma Lead Women’s Singles Campaign
India’s women’s singles representation will come from young prospects Anmol Kharb and Tanvi Sharma. Both players have an opportunity to gain valuable experience on the BWF World Tour stage, as well as to test themselves against international opposition in a Super 500 event.
Anmol begins against Canada’s Rachel Chan. The Indian arrives in Yeosu after reaching the semifinals in Germany, a run that offered a promising sign of her form and ability to compete deep into a tournament. She will look to carry that confidence into her Korea Open opener, while remaining composed through the changes in pace and pressure that often define a first-round contest.
Tanvi faces Japan’s Manami Suizu. The match will be another important measure of the young Indian’s progress, with the challenge extending beyond simply winning points: controlling the rallies, maintaining consistency and responding well to difficult stretches will all matter. A strong performance could help Tanvi build confidence and experience against a player from one of badminton’s established international systems.
Sindhu’s withdrawal means India will not have its most decorated women’s singles star in the draw, but it creates a clear opportunity for the next generation. Kharb and Sharma will be looking to make the most of their chances and turn promising performances into meaningful results.
Mixed Doubles Pair Opens Against Chinese Opposition
India will also be represented in mixed doubles, where Dhruv Rawat and K. Maneesha start their campaign against China’s Zhu Yi Jun and Li Qian. The Indian pair face a demanding opening-round assignment, with communication, court coverage and quick decision-making likely to be central to the contest.
Mixed doubles matches can change direction rapidly, as teams look to create attacking openings while protecting the front and rear areas of the court. Rawat and Maneesha will need to work cohesively and make the most of any chances to take control of the net. Their match adds another point of interest for Indian supporters following the opening day of the tournament.
India’s Wednesday Schedule at the Korea Open
All times listed below are local match times provided for the tournament’s opening-round schedule:
- 9:50 a.m.: H. S. Prannoy vs Yoo Tae Bin (South Korea) — men’s singles
- 10:00 a.m.: Dhruv Rawat/K. Maneesha vs Zhu Yi Jun/Li Qian (China) — mixed doubles
- 10:50 a.m.: Anmol Kharb vs Rachel Chan (Canada) — women’s singles
- 1:45 p.m.: Tanvi Sharma vs Manami Suizu (Japan) — women’s singles
What to Watch as the Tournament Begins
The Korea Open is a BWF World Tour Super 500 event, placing it among the tour’s significant stops and giving players an opportunity to earn ranking points against a strong international field. For India, Wednesday’s matches will be about more than advancing through the opening round. They will also provide a chance to assess form, build confidence and see how the team responds to the absence of its leading singles names.
Prannoy brings experience to a lean men’s singles challenge, while Kharb and Sharma offer India a look at its emerging women’s talent. In mixed doubles, Rawat and Maneesha will aim to make a competitive start against Chinese opponents. With four Indian matches on the schedule, the opening day in Yeosu promises several storylines for badminton fans to follow.
